Spring hunting of Turtledove in Malta unjustifiable, Birdlife report says

BirdLife Malta has released a new report this week, stating that spring hunting of the Turtledove in Malta is neither scientifically nor legally justified, following the latest EU Article 12 reporting data covering 2019 to 2024.

The report found that 13 of 15 countries within the central-eastern migratory flyway, which passes over Malta, are experiencing population declines, with an overall reduction exceeding 23%.

The species, already classified as Vulnerable, has lost approximately 83% of its population since 1980.

"The latest Article 12 data leaves no room for doubt. The Turtledove continues to decline across the flyway, and this is the most up-to-date and robust scientific evidence available. Decisions affecting this species must be based on this reality. This report vindicates what BirdLife Malta has long been stating at the Ornis Committee, in the Law Courts and in communication with the Government," said Mark Sultana, Chief Executive of BirdLife Malta.

Malta observed a moratorium on spring hunting of the Turtledove between 2017 and 2021 but reopened the season every year from 2022 onwards. The report by Birdlife found that the decision to lift the moratorium was based on outdated Article 12 data from 2013 to 2018. They point out that a flawed methodology was used, relying on assumptions drawn from ringing recoveries and satellite tracking.

BirdLife Malta said those assumptions produced an inaccurate picture of the population and do not meet the standard required for scientific decision-making.

The report also found that the Wild Birds Regulation Unit had failed to apply the precautionary principle, a core requirement under EU environmental law, when advising the Ornis Committee that Turtle-dove populations passing over Malta were stable or increasing.

EU conservation efforts recognise the ongoing decline and recommend halting harvesting for recovery. BirdLife Malta states that the conditions for a spring hunting derogation under the EU Birds Directive are not met.

The organisation is now urging the Maltese authorities to immediately stop the spring hunting of the Turtledove, reinstate a moratorium for at least six years, and ensure that Malta fully complies with EU conservation measures, especially given that infringement proceedings on this matter are already underway.